Live Tall on a Small Footprint

Two projects smaller than 1500 sq. ft. illustrate how to design a comfortable home with little impact on the site

Architect Michael McDonough had been reluctant to design houses for developments. When he got an offer to create designs for a North Carolina project focused on neighborhood and small houses, McDonough finally took the plunge. In designing for the Village of Cheshire, McDonough focused on crafting low-impact homes. With three levels of living space, the houses have footprints that can remain small; these houses use stairs instead of hallways to connect living spaces. McDonough also ensured that the houses included outdoor-living areas, which help to make a small house feel larger. Keeping baths, kitchens, and utility rooms stacked let him minimize the space required for mechanicals, one more way that these small houses live large.

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